Substitute teaching can be your best entry point into an exciting new career in education. It offers numerous benefits to beginning, current, and retired teachers alike, including hands-on classroom experience, flexible work hours, and the ability to support Colorado teachers and students. However, many aspiring substitute teachers in Colorado wonder how to get started. The education, license, authorization, application, and job process can be overwhelming.

This guide covers it all. For recent graduates up to semi-retired professionals, these tips will help walk you through the real process of becoming a substitute teacher in Colorado in 2025 and beyond. We’ll help you prepare, apply, and get certified so you can start your teaching journey today.

1. Understand the Role

Before dealing with paperwork and licenses, becoming a substitute teacher involves recognizing the opportunity and the role you’re about to take on.

Substitutes could be on call for the same class for a day, a week, or even a month, and the time spent in one classroom changes the responsibilities. The duties can also change by grade level. However, regardless of the timeline or grade, every substitute teacher should expect to have four core responsibilities:

• Supervising student learning and behavior

• Delivering a planned lesson or leading a review

• Taking attendance

• Reporting issues to administrators

Colorado, like many states, has a very high demand for substitute teachers. This is especially true for schools in rural areas or special education and early childhood settings. In other words, those eager to become substitute teachers in Colorado have no shortage of opportunities in their new role.

2. Choose an Authorization

Full teaching licenses and degrees are not required qualifications in Colorado to become a substitute teacher. The easier option is to apply for substitute authorization, a process offered by the CDE, or the Colorado Department of Education.

Substitute authorization comes in three types:

• 1-Year Authorization: This allows teachers to substitute for one year. It usually only requires a GED or high school diploma to get started.

• 3-Year Authorization: This requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. Any major is permitted.

• 5-Year Authorization: This authorization is only applicable to those who have or have had a valid Colorado or other state-issued teaching license.

Many new applicants wonder where to start in applying for their substitute teacher license. Choosing the right authorization is essential for maintaining compliance with state laws, as well as taking advantage of your educational background as you begin the process.

3. Gather Documents

After the CDE receives your authorization request, they will request specific documents to verify your credentials. These will vary depending on the authorization type you request. For example, 1-year applicants require proof of high school completion or GED, while 3-year and 5-year applicants will be asked for a full official transcript.

All applicants, regardless of authorization, will need to submit several standard identifying documents, including:

• Valid photo ID

• Social Security Number

• Resume

A resume may not be required, but all applicants should create a high-quality teaching resume to raise their chances of accreditation. Additionally, many teachers received their degrees from outside the U.S. In that case, a credential evaluation will likely be requested. Many teachers use WES, a recognized credential evaluation service, to validate their degrees.

4. Complete the Background Check

To move your application from authorization to licensing, you will need to pass a background check. According to the CDE, all applicants to substitute teaching positions must pass a national and state background check, which includes fingerprinting verification.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Fingerprinting can be scheduled and completed through several state-sponsored organizations, including Colorado Fingerprinting and IdentoGO

• Use the CDE’s fingerprint code to schedule

• Pay the one-time fee

• Submit the electronic print results

Fingerprinting is usually valid for up to five years, but the CDE may request an update after that time or when renewing authorization. Aspiring substitute teachers should submit their fingerprints before starting the application, since the background check is required by Colorado law before any license can be issued.

5. Log in to COOL

COOL (Colorado Online Licensing) is a state-sponsored platform where applicants must submit their applications to become licensed substitute teachers. To do this, log into the COOL website, register for an account, complete the profile, and begin submitting the documents.

In addition to submitting documents, this is the website where you will track the results of your background check, pay any required fees, and receive your final authorization.

6. Submit the Application

Once you have submitted all required documents, including the background check, you can submit your application, along with the application fee. This varies depending on the type of authorization you’re applying for. Here are the fees at the time of writing for 2025 applications:

• 1-Year Authorization: $60

• 3-Year Authorization: $90

• 5-Year Authorization: $90

After submitting, the CDE will process your application for around 4-6 weeks. This could be longer or shorter depending on how busy the hiring season is and the current demand for substitutes in your area.

Once your application has been approved, you will receive a digital authorization certificate. There is no physical version, but many substitute teachers print their digital certificates to keep them for their records.

7. Apply to School Districts

Now that you have received substitute teaching accreditation, you need to apply for substitute teaching work! In Colorado, new substitutes have several options for applications, including:

• Substitute staffing agencies, such as Swing Education, Kelly Education, and ESS

• Charter schools

• Private Schools

• Public school districts

The hiring process is different for each group. However, most will require an online application, a submission of substitute authorization, a training session, and additional documentation. Some will ask for character or job references, but this often depends on the seasonal demand. 

8. Attend Orientation

As part of the application process for each district or agency, new substitute teachers in Colorado must usually complete in-person or virtual orientation. Districts will offer different programs based on their expectations for student behavior, emergency procedures, and safety protocols, but the basics of the training will likely be similar.

Orientation gives new substitutes a chance to recognize the requirements of their district, meet coordinators and management staff, and get acclimated to their new job.

9. Accept a Job

After orientation, you will be ready to accept a job and gain access to your online scheduling system through the district or agency that hired you. This will allow you to set preferred subjects or schools, set days of availability, and stay in the loop if last-minute openings are available.

Flexibility in terms of student age groups, subjects, and days is a major selling point of substitute teaching. The system will keep you informed to make sure you don’t miss any job opportunities when they become available.

10. Renew License

The last part of maintaining substitute teaching authorization in Colorado is to renew your application with updated documents. Depending on the authorization received, you may have to do this as often as annually. The CDE will send reminders to let you know when to log into COOL and submit a new application.

The Takeaway for Substitute Teachers in Colorado

It can seem daunting at first, but substitute teachers in Colorado have a clear and structured process for application and renewal through the CDE. The good news is that once you’re licensed, approved, and connected with an agency or school district, you can start right away making a difference by educating at your chosen grade levels and supporting Colorado’s teachers.

Substituting teaching requires compassion and consistency, but it rewards skilled teachers with a flexible position that can open doors for higher teaching opportunities through their district, including long-term subbing, teaching, and paraprofessional roles. Once you’re ready to get started, follow the CDE’s guidelines and begin submitting your application to become one of Colorado’s most valuable teachers!

Zen Educate is here to reduce the challenges of finding substitute teaching jobs in Colorado. Sign up today to review the opportunities available in your area.